turning around

Today in the One Year Bible, we read from Galatians 1:1-14. Paul tells us how he used to persecute the very church that he is now preaching. A complete 180 degree turn around.

And we're living in a time when repentance is both needed and possible. So many people these days consider themselves unaffiliated with any church. So many IN the church are scandalized by the abuse that has happened and that is falsely accused, both. We need some genuine repentance and turning back to God both inside and outside the church.

We know through Paul's example (and Peter's, and most of the characters in the Bible) that repentance is possible. We're all sinners, so if any of us do good in our lives, it's after repenting from our sins.

So let's pray that the world will experience this great 180 degree turn that Paul lived. Let's pray that those outside the church will find their way in. And that the abuse will be dealt with in a just and loving fashion, preventing further abuse in the future. God is ready and willing to answer these prayers - it's what He wants. It's what He's waiting for. Let's pray.

God, thank You for giving us the opportunity to repent. Please bring us back to You.